History of security as a new field of Western historical science

Abstract

The goal of this research lies in consideration of the history of security as a relatively new field of Western historical science. It can be achieved by solving the three interrelated tasks: 1) review of the concept of “security” as the subject of research of Western historical science; 2) analysis of the recent changes in the concepts of security that exist in modern historical science of Western countries; 3) examination of boundaries set by a particular historical era for implementation of the concept of security. Currently, even within the framework of Western historical sciences, which has systematically examined the phenomenon of security, it is difficult to speak of the existence of special history of security, although the works of the leading Western historians covered in this article, significantly contribute to examination of the security issues. Such issues are viewed through the prism of the events of world history. Analysis is conducted on the achievements of Western historical science in studying the phenomenon of security, as well as conceptual changes that have taken place within this problematic over the recent years. Any historical era establishes certain boundaries for the study and implementation of security. Western historical science has achieved considerable results in determination of the concept of “security” as the subject of historical research. Multiple humanities and social sciences explore the sphere of security; and the complex of historical disciplines examines security as an interdisciplinary concept that remains relevant throughout history of mankind. Security is a general concept, which is commonly used in historical research on the one hand; however, does not exists as an independent historical discipline. If political science, criminology, sociology, and jurisprudence, namely international relations, imply a consistent and broad field of research on security, history is yet to develop a corresponding subject category.